Traumatic Brain Injuries

Cheerleading and Traumatic Brain Injury in NJ

2010-01-30T13:25:00.000-08:00

Cheerleading and Traumatic Brain Injury

Who knew cheerleading could be so dangerous?

According to a study released last year by the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research, 67 of the 103 fatal, disabling or serious injuries recorded among high school female athletes occurred in cheerleading. In some instances, cheerleading is more dangerous than football.

In another study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cheerleading has the second highest rate for concussions and traumatic brain injuries in high school sports, behind only football.

Cheerleading is way beyond pom poms and now includes dare devil-like aerial gymnastic stunts with a tower of synchronized limbs dancing high in the air. One misstep can cause impact with hard surfaces and no emergency plan in place.

When gone awry there is impact of collision, whiplash-like injuries, blurred vision, migraine headaches, prescription medication, concussions, unconsciousness, nausea, split ear drums, orthopedic injuries, memory loss, depression and worse death.

What a tragedy for a teenage girl to be in her prime only to be struck down by a preventable cheerleading traumatic brain injury accident.

Teen Sports Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injury

2009-09-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

A 13-year-old boy was injured while playing in a junior high football game. His traumatic brain injury led to the passage earlier this year of the nation's most rigorous law protecting young athletes from severe brain injuries.

The new law requires clearance from a licensed medical professional, which includes certified athletic trainers, before a student-athlete who has sustained a concussion can return to the playing field. Coaches should not be allowed to make those determinations.

The boy was injured while playing football in 2006 when he suffered a concussion toward the end of the first half of a game. He was twice returned to play and 60 seconds after the game was over, he collapsed. Doctors later discovered he suffered a traumatic brain injury and was hemorrhaging.

He was in a coma for months and required intensive therapy before able to eat on his own or speak. Now, he remains in a wheelchair.

The lawsuit settlement doesn't bring the boy's health and vitality back and he may never walk again. What the lawsuit settlement does is provide for needed assistance for his permanent disability, provide long-term care, and additional therapy without worrying whether or not it's affordable.

The school district did not agree to any wrongdoing.

The boy's family feels this traumatic brain injury was preventable.

Bill May Pass Coping with Military Traumatic Brain Injury

2009-07-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

A bill has been introduced that would improve treatment for active and retired military who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury and expand care to military families.

Rep. Betsy Markey, D-Colo., introduced the Honoring Our Nation's Obligations to Returning Warriors (HONOR) Act.

The act will offer counseling programs at community-based veterans centers for active duty, reservists, and National Guard combat veterans. Currently and unfortunately, those programs are unavailable to many returning soldiers.

According to the RAND Institute, an estimated 620,000 returning military members suffer from PTSD or traumatic brain injury or both.

War is hell and so is traumatic brain injury

2009-07-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

War is hell and so is traumatic brain injury.

20 percent of U.S. soldiers coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq have some form of mild traumatic brain injury caused by Humvee wrecks and roadside bombs.

Early detection helps but the symptoms can be tricky as they can sneak up months later in the form of headaches and nausea, dizziness, anxiety, forgetfulness, and being very angry.
Rather than being told to toughen up, they should be neurologically assessed.

The fortunate soldiers are being identified and placed in a 12 week therapy program which offers a good chance at recovery.

While doctors have gotten better at identifying and treating TBI, they still have trouble figuring out exactly when a soldier is ready to go back to war.

Actress Dies from Traumatic Brain Injury

2009-03-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

Natasha Richardson died from a head injury which occurred during a skiing lesson in Canada. The actress was not wearing a helmet.

After the fall, she felt fine and was kidding and joking with the staff but about an hour later, fell sick.

The world is shocked and this revives the argument for helmets during skiing.

The Elderly, Their Brains, and the Internet

2009-02-02T08:18:00.000-08:00

Internet browsing enhances middle aged to older people’s brain power.

A study said that elderly people who search the web have better controlled decision making and complex reasoning powers than their non Internet savvy neighbors. This activity has shown in a small control study that browsing the Web shrinks the cells that shrink the brain.

Move over reading and crossword puzzles. The aging population who gets their mouses (mice) going can increase brain power while staving off dementia.

Blogger’s note: If this study is true – I’m going to be a genius when I die!

Importance of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation

2009-01-29T19:59:00.000-08:00

Traumatic brain injury can be from a mild concussion from a blow to the head and more serious injuries where the brain bleeds or there is a loss of oxygen to the brain.

Rehabilitation is crucial to the best of outcomes. Rehabilitation starts by undergoing tests for a number of functions including behavioral, cognitive, motor, language, and executive. Depending on results, the patient's rehabilitation therapy is tailor-made to suit his needs. This is because everyone responds to therapy differently and heals at different rates. Therapy can include occupational, physical and language therapy plus support groups.

All rehabilitation techniques are geared towards ensuring a person to function productively both at home and as a member of society. This may include making modifications to their living space in order to easily perform everyday duties. Rehabilitation options range from at-home rehabilitation to inpatient rehabilitation centers.

Most importantly people with TBI should be surrounded by supportive family and friends who should also be part of support groups in order to help them through this crucial time. Patience is key to success.

Children with Traumatic Brain Injuries

2008-12-27T19:50:00.000-08:00

One mother's struggle with her child's traumatic brain injury creates a non-profit organization to help other families facing similar problems.

When Tracy Porter was dealing with her child's TBI, she struggled to find resources and support.

Brain injury is the most frequent cause of disability and death among children in the United States. Not only is the brain injury difficult for the child but it pulls on the heart strings of the family.

This is why Porter started Mothers Against Brain Injury with the mission to "to be the leading organization dedicated to providing hope, comfort and valuable information to families experiencing a traumatic brain injury with a loved one."

She provides tote bags filled with resources, comforting items, and support tools.

What a special person Porter must be. Kudos to her and her organization.

Count Your Blessings: TBI

2008-11-28T21:31:00.000-08:00

Here's one very good reason to wear a full face helmet while skateboarding: It can save your life.

A 17-year-old boy lost control of his skateboard and crashed into a moving vehicle. He was rushed to the hospital where he had a broken leg and swelling of the brain. No one thought he would live or survive the surgery but he did. He went on to relearn at an excelerated rate and didn't have to spend time in a rehab center. He still doesn't remember too much about the accident.

His family and friends were his rock and his salvation. He is one lucky teenager.

But you might not be as blessed.

He was rushed into the ER when there happened to be a neurologist on call, he was incoherent, he was in a coma, on a ventilator but now he's back to playing video games.

His parents are speaking out to other parents about the importance of full faced helmets and other safety measures. They have contacted skateboarding professionals urging them to use helmets and ask their fans to do likewise.

They have prayed for a full recovery and it looks like their prayers will be answered.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Past and Present

2008-11-11T15:50:00.000-08:00

The brain is an astonishing three-pound organ that is responsible for our basic survival and identity.

Unfortunately, it is very fragile. Cars, bullets, rods, and even a baseball can damage the brain, so can slips and falls from heights.

Historical Connection
It is a historical fact that ancient civilizations had remarkable knowledge about treating traumatic brain injuries. The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus dated as far back to the 17th century B.C. is the oldest known surgical treatise discovered by man. This treatise is systematically written in an arrangement of cases beginning with injuries to the head and proceeding downward through the body. It is an amazing this ancient document contains lucid descriptions of the cranial sutures, the meninges, the external surfaces of the brain, and other parts.

There is also evidence that surgical repair of traumatic brain injuries was performed in ancient Greece. Physicians developed instruments for removing bone fragments from a fractured skull and for cutting holes in the skull to repair head wounds. The function of the human brain was well known by the Greek physician Hippocrates who believed that the brain was the source of feeling, awareness, and thought. Over the ages, treatment of traumatic brain injuries evolved dramatically. Recovery, however, is still very slow and often incomplete. Many individuals do not recover well enough to lead an independent life.

Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injuries, TBI

2008-11-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

What are the consequences of a traumatic brain injury?

When people think of a traumatic brain injury, they usually think of a serious bump on the head! While we all understand how dangerous brain injuries can be, not many of us realize the overall effects on a person. A brain injury is quite like a domino effect-- it will not only lead to other physical problems, but also might cause mental and emotional problems for the affected person.

A look at the traumatic brain injury statistics throws some very surprising numbers: In 2005, these brain injuries resulted in over 8,000 fatalities, mainly among people who were 65 years old or above. The most common cause for these injuries has been a fall and roughly 50% of these falls were unintentional. This is to be expected, since older people tend to have less control over their balance and motor faculties. But what is disturbing is brain injuries are often misdiagnosed, especially among the elderly. Studies have shown that a traumatic brain injury has long-term emotional, functional, and cognitive repercussions. They can also have psychological effects as well, with patients developing phobias about being alone or being near the places where they have fallen.

Researchers are also looking into accidents like breaking a hip or leg, as this too can have traumatic effects on a patient. They believe that it is the responsibility of caregivers, health care officials, and the community at large to help make the surroundings as fall-proof as possible for the elderly.

Teenagers and Traumatic Brain Injury

2008-11-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

Traumatic brain injury greatly impacts teenagers.

Teenagers face different issues with traumatic brain injury than pediatric brain injury or adult brain injury. Teens so desperately want to be part of the in-crowd that peer pressure plays a huge factor in a teen’s bravado and recklessness. Parental values may go out of sight and out of mind when it comes to underage drinking, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse.

The greatest risk of traffic accidents is among teenage drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), both male and female drivers ages 16 to 19 have greater traffic violations and crash rate of any other age group. Both drugs and alcohol impair good judgment which affects the teen driver, his or her passengers and innocent victims.

While most teens can program your cell phone in the blink of an eye, they have very little knowledge or understanding about the complexities of driving an automobile or motorcycle. Teens master a game-boy in minutes but fail to realize that it takes time, patience, and practice to master driving skills. Time and patient is an enigma to teens who have lived most of their lives as citizens of an instant gratification society.

A larger percentage of teen age driving crashes involve teenage drivers in single vehicle crashes where vehicles rollover because teens are speeding, texting, talking on cell phones, and not wearing their seat belts.
According to the NHTSA, in 2006 too many teens died behind the wheel.

In Pennsylvania – 336 teenagers died. 157 were drivers, 93 were passengers of other teen drivers, 63 were passengers in other vehicles not driven by teen drivers, and 23 were not occupants of vehicles but perhaps were hit by cars while walking or riding their bicycles.

In New Jersey – 123 teenagers died. 43 were the drivers, 31 were passengers of young drivers, 32 were passengers in other vehicles not driven by teen drivers, and 17 were not occupants of vehicles but perhaps were hit but cars while walking or riding their bicycles.

The majority die behind the wheel or as passengers to other young drivers. For teenagers, the risk of being in a crash increases by 3.6 when driving other teens. Also, the more passengers along for the ride -- the more risky that ride will be. More passengers mean more distractions and more dares to take risks especially for boys riding with boys. Driving to the store alone to pick up a gallon of milk for mom offers a much safer ride.

How Traumatic is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

2008-10-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

We all know that traumatic brain injuries are no laughing matter. Any injury to the brain or the head is like a big blow to the main system of the body, seriously impairing your ability to function normally. While it's quite possible to lead a normal life with a hurt arm or leg, it's just not the same with a head injury.

But aren't brain injuries rare? Don't they happen in only the worst kind of accidents?

The unfortunate answer is no -- in fact, statistics show quite a different picture. It's important to understand what traumatic brain injuries really are. They can be defined as any kind of injury that hampers the normal functioning of the brain. In some cases, this could be a very hard jolt or shake. Many people don't realize this fact because they think there should be some blood loss or a physical wound.

The severity of these injuries varies, with severe blows causing amnesia or a state of unconsciousness.

The actual traumatic brain injuries statistics are pretty sobering. Studies show that 1.4 million people sustain injuries every year. 50,000 of these cases have ended in death and worse, over 2,000 fatalities have been children. This doesn't take into account the number of people who don't seek or are unable to get medical attention. Right now, statistics show that most of these injuries are the result of falls and road accidents.

Research also shows that today there are nearly 5.3 million people who would need long-term assistance as a result of their traumatic brain injuries. Do you have a family member who is suffering from a traumatic brain injury?

Crib Recall after Two Infant Deaths

2008-10-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Crib Recall after Two Infant Deaths

Over a million cribs are being recalled because of two infant deaths. The cribs were made by Delta Enterprise Corp and were manufactured from 1995 to 2005. Although no longer sold retail, they could still be in use and sold in thrift stores or yard sales.

The problem is with the hardware -- if not installed correctly.

One of the cribs uses a mechanism known as a spring peg to lower the crib side; this was made in China. Another crib under recall was made in Indonesia and Taiwan.

The crib recall website has photos and diagrams and will be happy to send you a repair kit.

The problem is getting the message out to everyone who has one of these cribs. It's conceivable that more infants will suffer traumatic brain injuries and or death because of the faulty crib mechanisms. If your infant or child has suffered a serious injury, a traumatic brain injury, or a wrongful death because of a negligent product, you may be eligible for a lawsuit. Please contact Monheit Law for your personal no-cost consultation.

Caring for Someone that Suffers a Traumatic Brain Injury

2008-10-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

There will be costs and complexities associated with TBI care.

Bill Mantlo was one of the most prolific comic book writers on the 1980's. After getting hit by a car while rollerblading, Mantlo fell and suffered a major head injury. This traumatic brain injury left him comatose for many months. While he did come out of the coma he never regained full mental function. Currently, he is being cared for in an institutional setting. This is a frightening example of what can happen in the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury.

While the brain injuries that reach this level of severity are rare, they do occur. In the aftermath of such a tragedy, there will be many complexities associated with the care of the injured party. As Bill Mantlo's case shows, in addition to immediate medical care extensive, "round the clock" follow up care may be required. Such care could be required over the lifetime of the injured person. After all, if the injured party is not able to take care of himself someone then a professional caretaker's services will be needed. In severe cases, the injured person may be placed in an institution. Of course, there will be significant bills associated with such care.

The course, this brings about the question "who will pay for the care?" If the injured party does not have the finances to handle such costs, then there will be a need to sue for damages. This is why it is important to consult an attorney in regards to seeking compensation from the negligible party. Again, such care is very expensive and the burden of the costs really should be placed on the individual. A qualified traumatic brain injury attorney can be very helpful in this regard. A meeting with such an attorney would be highly advised since it may lead to being able to afford the expensive and necessary care required for such severe injuries.

Incredible Cost of Traumatic Brain Injuries

2008-09-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

An examination of the stress of a traumatic brain injury is provided.

There are a number of additional treatments that are necessary for people who suffered a traumatic brain injury. Often, when it comes to these injuries most people assume that the main expense for a traumatic brain injury is the medical expenses required for effective treatment. And, yes, there are significant medical expenses required. That is why people seek damages in lawsuits. However, medical expenses are not the only costs associated with dealing with recovery from traumatic brain injuries.

Many of these damages are designed to cover the loss of income people suffer while recuperating. Keep in mind, the potential loss of income while recuperating from traumatic brain injury can be significant. That is why seeking damages to recover a loss of income can never be taken lightly. But, this is not the only reason for seeking damages. Actually, the volume of costs is due to the potentially significant financial costs associated with the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury. There will be expenses no one would even think of until they are actually dealing with these expenses.

Depending upon the severity of the traumatic brain injury, a great deal of expense might go into relearning motor skills. If the brain has been injured severely, is not uncommon that a person must learn once again how to walk. Some may assume this is an extreme example, but it isn't. Depending upon the severity of the traumatic brain injury the ramifications for the injury on the human body are enormous. Sadly, this comes with a great deal of expense. Some may not appreciate the seriousness of the situation until facing a similar situation.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Can Occur Over Time

2008-09-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

TBI's can be the result of a cumulative effect and not a singular incident

Are you an avid sports player? If so, have you suffered any injuries? In particular, have you had to deal with a concussion or, worse, multiple concussions? If you have, there may be cause for alarm as these injuries are hardly minor. There are a number of serious side effects that can result from injuries to the head region. Cognitive function might become limited, narcolepsy can result, and even developing a mental illness is possible. Yet, many people who suffer from such injuries are unaware the injuries have even occurred.

Contrary to popular belief, the side effects of traumatic brain injury do not necessarily develop after one incident. That is, while a sharp unexpected blow to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury instantaneously, it is not impossible for brain degeneration to develop over a period of time as well. This can be the result of a repeated collection of minor injuries.

This gradual development of brain trauma is more frequent in many assume.
Probably the most common example of this would be individuals who suffer a series of concussions or head traumas. While each individual instance may seem "minor" the collective effect is extremely dangerous. When these individuals are examined under a cat scan the image may literally show a series of black spots on the brain. These black spots are where the brain tissue has died. Needless to say, anyone who suffers such traumatic brain injuries may experience a degrading of their cognitive function. But, since the injuries occur gradually, the afflicted will not seek proper treatment for their injuries. Many times, they are completely unaware their brain injuries are even serious.

This is why it is important to never take it any head injury lightly. If you suffer from any such trauma to the head, it is important to have a medical examination right away. This way any serious problems will be diagnosed immediately and proper care can be undertaken.

Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries

2008-09-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

TBI can cause many serious problems to a person's health

What harm can a bump on the head do?

Is it really a big deal to get hit on the head? Yes, because it is not out of the question for someone who suffers a minor head injury to suffer a multitude of complications including major paralysis.
Often, a minor head injury could later need to a major problem. For example, you could be riding your bicycle when the bike hits an obstruction on the road. After flying off your bike and hitting your head you feel quite woozy. However, it does not seem like anything all that bad has happened.

Of course, the operative word here is "seem". Within the span of a couple days, however, you discover that your problems are far worse than you initially imagined. While sitting in a chair watching television you suffer a stroke. The stroke was a direct result of the brain injury and the stroke later leads to partial paralysis. Once again it is important to note that no traumatic brain injury - no matter how seemingly minor - should ever be taken lightly.

Strokes, seizures, and other mental problems may result due to a traumatic brain injury. And, of course, there come a number of expenses with the treatment and care dealing with these conditions. In the previous example of the bike accident, if the obstruction was placed in the road, negligence then there may be the basis for a lawsuit present.

What if city employees were working on fixing the road and left equipment strewn about? That is obviously negligence. Hence, the city could be held liable for damages. This would necessitate the need for a lawyer who is versed in brain injuries, accidents, and highway or road safety litigation.

Thankfully, there are those multi talented lawyers who can handle such complex cases.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and the Elderly

2008-09-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

Older people can be more susceptible to traumatic brain injuries.

Regarding traumatic brain injuries, there is a slight misconception regarding who is most prone to such an injury.

Some may assume people who are involved with active hobbies and professions are at the most risk. In general, active people and professional sportsmen understand the risks inherent to their pursuits and take proper precautions. That means their level of awareness to avoiding situations that could cause an injury is heightened. (A football player, for example, understands that there are other players on the field looking to tackle him so he develops awareness to aiding in limiting impact) This reduces the chances of injury.

Of course, no one can prevent every potential impact to the brain.

This is why they wear protective gear. So, even when professional sportsmen do take direct impact to the head, the chance of an injury is reduced.

So, who really is at the most risk for traumatic brain injuries?

Without a doubt, it is the elderly who are most susceptible to such an injury. This is because the elderly people who have limited mobility are susceptible to falls. As a result, they can injure their cranial region as a result of a fall. Since this happens when they move about in their daily lives they are not wearing any protective gear that might prevent a serious injury. This is why constant attention must be given to elderly individuals to prevent the onset of a potential traumatic brain injury.

Of course, there will be certain instances where watching out for an elderly person is impossible.

But, when an elderly person is in the care of a nursing home then they should be under constant watchful eye. If not, then there is increased potential to slip fall and hurt them. Often, when the patient of a nursing home falls and suffers a head injury, it is the result of negligence, nursing home abuse, or lack of oversight on the part of the nursing home.

In such an instance, then the nursing home may be held liable for any injuries that occur.

How Traumatic Brain Injuries Sometimes Occur?

2008-09-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

TBI's can occur from some lesser known causes.

What are the most common ways an individual suffers a traumatic brain injury? If you were to say impact you would be correct. When the head slams into an object it would not be unreasonable to assume that a concussion or other form of traumatic brain injury may result. However, this would not be the only means in which someone suffers a traumatic brain injury. That is to say, severe injury can occur to the brain even if there is no impact.

Unfortunately, most people are unaware that brain injuries can occur from harsh shaking or a whiplash like injury. Imagine being rear ended in a car accident. Your head jerks forwards and backwards and then you feel a slight stinging in your neck. However, the pain goes away you assume that no harm has been done. Well, there might not have been much harm inflicted on the ligaments in your neck. The condition of your brain, however, is a different story. The reality is you may have suffered a severe brain injury that may not reveal itself until later. This is because when your head if jerked forwards and backwards the brain may literally bounce against the skull.

This is unfortunate because the side effects of a traumatic brain injury are severe. That is why treatment for brain injuries needs to be undertaken as soon as possible. When treatment is delayed a number of problems can result. For example, problems such as blackouts and vertigo are common with brain injuries. Yet, many people may not even know that a brain injury is the reason for such symptoms. (Perhaps because the actual brain injury may have happened weeks earlier) This is why whenever you suffer any type of impact, whip lashing, or even piercing is critical to have an examination undertaken as soon as humanely possible.

Alcohol Abuse and Brain Damage

2008-08-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

Did you know that drinking too much alcohol can cause permanent brain damage?

Researchers believe that deficiencies in insulin and the loss of brain cells ability to respond to insulin are important factors leading to brain damage including Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Concentrated amounts of alcohol negatively impact insulin.

Previous animal and tissue research showed that alcohol-related damage causes insulin to become less accommodating.

In a study of 50-something year old men, with chronic alcoholics’ brains, there was insulin resistance. The loss of insulin was associated with loss of brain cells to connect to learning, memory, and motor skills. This directly related to poor balance and increased falling and trauma seen frequently in alcoholics.

People are under the impression that alcohol abuse damages the liver but over time heavy drinking permanently damages the brain and causes dementia.

Source: Science Daily

Life and Times of a Brain Injury Survivor

2008-08-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

This is about a man who had the ripe young age of 23 received an acquired traumatic brain injury in a head on car crash while wearing a seatbelt in the back seat of a car. He also had a spinal cord injury, broken lower back, and stroke on the right side of his brain and many parts of his brain.

His short-term memory is impaired. He also has muscle weakness, balance problems, tremors, fatigue, dizziness, and speech problems.

He took computer classes at the local college and managed to get A’s even if it took him longer to master than other students.

So a person with a brain injury uses the “whatever it takes model.” This model is used for rehab. The concept is just what it says: use whatever it takes for rehab.

What works for one person might not work for another person in rehab.

He attends conferences, has been on radio and TV, participated in workshops and panels to help other survivors of brain injury. He has been interviewed for numerous articles about brain injuries and even got some federal income tax changes for people with disabilities.

People with brain injuries don’t know what they can or cannot do until they try.

Source: BC Local News

Sports Equipment and Traumatic Brain Injuries

2008-08-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

Sports equipment needs to be properly maintained to protect players from injury.

Traumatic brain injuries are hardly problems to be taken lightly. When an individual sufferers such a brain injury, the end result could have a major impact on the person's life. Even tasks that were at one time simple to perform may become increasingly difficult if the traumatic brain injury is debilitating enough. Therefore, it is critical that an individual take as many precautions as necessary to avoid head injuries. When it comes to playing contact sports this is made doubly difficult. After all, if you are in a sport that involves impact mild (or severe) brain trauma may occur. This is why it is critical that all equipment used in sports is properly maintained.

If you become involved in a hobbyist sport then you have a reasonable expectation that the equipment provided will be properly maintained. For example, if you belong to a local softball league you will be required to wear a batting helmet. The reason for this is that if the ball hits the batter in the head and the injury that may result will be minimal. However, the protection afforded to the individual will be undermined if the batting helmets are cracked, of low quality, or embody a great deal of wear and tear.

Remember, in the above scenario, it is the responsibility of the league to make sure that the player's safety is maintained. When the league does not do this and an injury is the result, there may be a case made for liability. Again, faulty batting helmets can lead to serious brain injuries. So, it would be unwise to let the liable party off the hook considering severe nature of such injuries. After all, someone needs to take responsibilities for the costs associated with negligently causing a traumatic brain injury. This is just a single example, but the notion that liability goes hand in hand with providing improper equipment is "universal" regardless of what sport you play or what activity you are involved.

Simple Injection May Aid Brain Trauma Victims

2008-08-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

A study reported in the Journal of Biological Engineering report that researchers in the United States have developed a treatment in injection form that treats brain injuries due to blunt force trauma.

Researchers say that the injury can be minimized with a simple polymer application or polyethylene glycol in mixed with water and injected into the blood stream.

The researchers performed the experiment on rats and damage was limited when the injection was given within four hours of the head injury. The longer the wait, the less effective it was.This injection could be delivered at the scene of the crash to reduce long term brain injury.

It Takes a Village to Support Traumatic Brain Injury

2008-07-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

Traumatic brain injury impacts a person more than just medically. Vocational rehabilitation is required as is mental health and emotional needs support. No one organization can handle it all which is why many organizations have to come together to support each other, the patient, and the patient’s family.

A big problem is that many people don’t know they qualify for care. The local Utah Veterans Administration invited federal and state agencies, community organizations and healthcare providers to find out who does what and so the various agencies can find out what other agencies do. Coming soon is a directory of services available for people with TBI and their families and caregivers. The VA will start screening veterans during their first three visits for traumatic brain injuries.

Source: http://www.kcpw.org/article/6209

Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury to Get Better Treatment and Perks for Caregivers

2008-07-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Traumatic brain injury not only affects individuals but entire families as well. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee approved provisions for more help for wounded veterans and their caregivers.

The Committee included proposals introduced in Senator Clinton’s Caring for Wounded Warriors Act, in a package of health care measures that will be added to the Senate bill to address the needs of veterans.

The provisions support two pilot programs for resources to certify and train family care givers of people with traumatic brain injury to be personal care attendants which would give them some income from the Department of Veteran Affairs. The second part would leverage partnerships between the VA and universities by training grad students to provide respite care for the caregivers.

The Disabled American Veterans and Brain Injury Association praised Senator Clinton who has pushed for veterans and active duty service men and women to have the healthcare they need. This legislation will improve the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of traumatic brain injury as well as support the care givers.

Source: HVPRESS

Support for Families with Brain Injuries in New Jersey

2008-07-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

The self-funded Brain Injury Association of New Jersey, a chartered affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of supports people, with brain injuries, advocates public awareness and teaches traumatic and acquired brain injury prevention.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services' Center for Health Statistics, there are almost 9,000 trauma cases that result in hospitalization or death. The leading causes were car, bicycle, and RV crashes. As early as 2003, falls outweighed the number of vehicle crashes by 20 percent.

A traumatic injury is caused by an external physical force that impairs cognitive, behavioral, or emotional abilities while an acquired injury is caused by strokes, aneurisms, meningitis.

The Brain Injury Association helps victims and their loved ones cope with their new lifestyle by hosting monthly support groups in most of New Jersey counties. They provide families with social work assistance and try to find jobs for people living with traumatic brain injuries.

The Brain Injury Association also advocates the importance of helmets, seat belts, proper sports uniforms and equipment, and senior citizen safety.

Souce: EBS.GMNEWS.COM

Sport Accidents and Traumatic Brain Injury

2008-07-09T08:59:00.001-07:00

Has your child been seriously injured while playing sports? Does he or she have a traumatic brain injury? Bad things happen to good kids; a traumatic brain injury is life altering. Find out what your legal options are. Are you eligible for a traumatic brain injury settlement? 1710 Spruce Street Philadelphia PA 19103 * 866-735-2792

Personal Testimonial: Bike Helmet Saves Lives and Brain Injury

2008-07-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

This is the story of how a bike helmet saved a doctor from traumatic brain injury.

While out riding his bike malfunctioned and he was thrown. He is thankful that he was wearing a properly sized helmet which cracked in half. He did suffer a spinal fracture and made a full recovery.

Wearing a helmet saved his life as well as brain injuries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bicycle-related head injury causes more than 60 percent of bicycle fatalities, 33 percent of emergency department visits for bike injuries and more than 60 percent of hospital admissions for bicycle injuries. Helmet use decreases death by almost 30 percent, head injury by almost 50 percent and post-traumatic brain injury by more than 30 percent.

The good doctor thinks there ought to be mandatory helmet laws.

Please encourage your local and state representative to advocate for bicycle and motorcycle helmet laws. You should set a good example and never ride without a helmet or let your child ride without one.

Souce: Colorodan

Soldiers with Brain Injuries May Have Help

2008-07-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

MEG technology, short for magnetoencephalography is starting to be used to better diagnose PTSD with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in veterans. The combination of PTSD and TBI is difficult to diagnose and a diagnosis is critical to getting the proper treatment.

Think of MEG has a magnetic stethoscope.

Almost 20 percent of soldiers returning from Iran and Afghanistan or 300,000 in round numbers have been treated for PTSD or major depression.

Around 19 percent are thought to have suffered a traumatic brain injury while deployed.

About 19 percent said they thought they might have suffered a traumatic brain injury while deployed, according to the study.

A hospital in the Chicago suburbs is reaching out to veterans suffering from duty-related neurological and psychiatric problems. Illinois funded programs targeting veterans with PTSD.

Participating in the hospital's effort are the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Administration and the Northwest Suburban Veterans Advisory Council.

Researchers will use MEG with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), Knowing what a veteran is suffering from, allows more effective treatment.

Souce: Chicago Tribune

To Cool or Not to Cool: Brain Injury Treatments for Children

2008-07-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hypothermia treatment for adults with severe head injuries seems to be an appropriate therapy but a new study in Canada reveals that cooling children doesn’t work as well. Researchers say that cooling therapy should only be performed cautiously.

A study of children from Canada, United Kingdom, and France was conducted with children who had their core temperature dropped and children who did not. There was no difference in how each group’s outcome when it came to brain damage but cooling did increase the risk of death.

When a patient is re-warmed, blood pressure can plummet because blood vessels that were constricted while cold begin to rapidly dilate as core temperature raised leading to death.
Researchers are looking at a better way to provide hypothermia for children including cooling blankets and ice packs immediately after the injury.

For adults with head trauma, chilling the body has been found to reduce swelling of the brain and cranial pressure which has led to better outcomes. For spinal cord injuries cooling limits the swelling and prevents further damage.

Severe traumatic brain injuries from motor vehicle collisions, falls and sports-related accidents are the leading cause of death among Canadian children and teens and the most common cause of acquired disability.Children with brain injuries have personality changes, difficulty concentrating, and physical limitations yet may be able to live independent normal lives.

Souce: Google-Canadian Press

Shaken Baby Syndrome & Child Brain Injury Study Begins in PA

2008-07-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

Coming soon to a Pennsylvania hospital will be a study of childhood brain injury. Research will be centered on tools to screen infants for shaken baby syndrome (SBS) who are at high risk of unexpected brain injury in an ER setting. The ongoing research is part of a grant proposal for screening children inflicted with brain trauma. The current test used in ER settings takes 20 minutes but the new test takes less time, less labor, and less review.

Source: MedicalNewsToday

Traumatic Brain Injuries Are No Bump in the Road for Elderly

2008-06-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

According to a new report just released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 8,000 deaths and 56,000 people, age 65 and over were hospitalized because of traumatic brain injuries caused by falling.

Traumatic brain injuries are caused by a bump or blow to the head and are frequently misdiagnosed in older adults.

Risk factors for falling in older adults include vision changes or loss, side effects from medication, poor lighting at home, clutter, chronic health conditions and muscle weakness. CDC is recommending four fall prevention strategies: encourage exercise, have medicines reviewed for side effects, get vision checked, and make homes safer.

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and nonfatal injuries for those 65 and over. Death rates for fall-related TBIs were higher among men than women. Death and hospitalization rates for fall-related TBIs generally increased with age.

As more baby boomers reach retirement age, these types of injuries will increase demands on the health care system unless action is taken to prevent the injuries.

TBI and Social Security Disability Benefits

2008-06-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

An acquired brain injury of any kind can dramatically change the life of an individual and his family. The direct medical costs and expenditure for lost productivity of TBI is estimated to cross $60 billion in US. Many people find it difficult to bear the burden of expenses and may even undergo an incomplete treatment or rehabilitation program.

In order to help the victims of TBI, the US Social Security Administration has launched disability and social security benefits, which is one of the largest Federal programs to provide assistance to disabled.

The security benefits are provided in two ways:
1. The Social Security Disability Insurance program: in this program, you and certain members of your family are eligible to get the benefits of this service if you have been paying Social Security Taxes. An adult child that acquired the disability before the age of 22 can also be covered by the insurance of the parent.

2. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI has gone a step ahead to support disabled by providing monthly payments to people, who cannot afford to cover the expenses. Appropriate candidates are people with low income, aged above 65 years, blind or disabled adults as children.

The amount paid can be varied depending upon whether you belong to the state that has this benefit, any other resources available in the family and with whom you live. The basic monthly SSI payment for 2008 is -

· $637 for one person
· $956 for couple.

The eligibility for both the programs are decided based upon your medical condition, work, income, education history that binds to their rules.

Criteria for benefits:
· You must be a resident of US
· Your resources do not exceed $2000 for a person and $3000 for a couple.
· Your medical condition prevents you from doing the work that you did before or other work and you have a long term disability lasting for at least an year or lead to death.

Apply for benefits as soon as you become disabled, either online or at your local Social Security Office. In the application, clarify the type of disability, type of benefits for which you apply, your source of income etc. You can also make use of Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool to find out which program may be more beneficial to you.

The eligible assistance will be offered to you if the personal information you provided fits into the Social Security’s definition of disability. If you are denied for insufficient medical reasons, you can submit the Appeal Request and Appeal Disability Report either online or at your local Social Security Office.

Adult child benefits
In addition to small children and adults, Social Security Benefits are provided to a disabled child aged above 18 years if they fit into the criteria of Security Administration. However, as an adult child gets the benefits paid on the patients earning record, the child will not get the benefits if the parent never worked.

Along with SSI, the Security Administration also provide Medicaid which helps to pay hospital bills and Food Stamps which help pay for food.

The Value of Clinical Trials and Research on TBI

2008-06-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

The benefits of clinical trials and TBI research can never be understated

In decades past, some of the common medical treatments employed for various conditions were arcane to say the least. The major reason for this was due to the fact that medical professionals often approached their subject matter from a very limited perspective in knowledge. This, of course, is not the case today as clinical trials and research into various medical conditions has led to numerous discoveries of new information that allows for more appropriate – and successful – treatments. (This greatly reduced instances of improper diagnosis, medication errors, et al) While this is common to all areas of medicine it is quite pronounced in the areas of traumatic brain injuries.

At one time, providing treatment to an individual who suffered traumatic brain injuries was often unhelpful. In fact, it was not without precedence to treat a TBI sufferer with electroshock therapy! (Often, this was performed not so much to help cure the person as much as it was designed to render the patient docile) Such outrageous treatment has mercifully been replaced by more enlightened approaches thanks in great part to positive information derived from solid research and clinical trials. A number of traumatic brain injury lawsuits (as well as some huge traumatic brain injury verdicts) aided in curtailing such negligent treatment as well.

For example, one of the greatest achievements arrived at through clinical trials has been the realization that not all of the TBI damage occurs during the actual injury. Many clinicians now realize that a number of the major problems deriving from a brain injury actually occur during time periods AFTER the injury occurred. For example, it is not without precedent for a severe problem to develop weeks after the injury. From this new information it is now possible to circumvent the onset of these complications through acknowledging they exist and taking appropriate measures to ensure that they do not occur.

Also, the expansion of communications systems has greatly impacted the way clinical trials and research is conducted. That is to say, several different research groups may conduct various trials and they may come to different conclusions. Now, these results can all be shared equally and timely. From this pool of information, it is possible to arrive at the most comprehensive and accurate conclusions needed to properly address the issue of traumatic brain injuries. Obviously, that is a good thing that bodes well for the future treatment of the condition.

The Issue of TBI and Social Security Disability Benefits

2008-06-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

The Process of TBI SSI claims are examined.

As much as we are loath to admit it, if an individual suffers from a traumatic brain injury there may be serious questions raised as to how the person may be able to support himself. This is because a serious neurological brain injury can greatly diminish a person's cognitive abilities as well as seriously impact motor skills. So, a person whose livelihood relies on these particular skills will need an alternate means of supplementing their income if they are unable to work.

Thankfully, there is an infrastructure in place to provide for taxpayers who find themselves in such a situation. When you pay into the Social Security fund you are not only paying into a retirement fund, but also a disability fund. This provides a certain level of financial protection to an individual who may be in need of such protection in lieu of a debilitating head injury.

Such benefits, however, are not there for the taking. You can not just call up the Social Security Administration and demand benefits without proof of disability. In order to receive the benefits a doctor must assess that the individual is unable to work. The doctor will also notate whether or not the condition will eventually be back to the ability to work. In some instances, the disability benefits may be provided for a finite period of time.

Social Security disability benefits can be full or partial depending on a person's situation. While these benefits are available to all they are not there for the taking. In other words, the individual must apply for these benefits. This will include written documentation from a doctor regarding the individual's ability work. If the Social Security Administration agrees with the traumatic brain injury claim then benefits will be provided.

However, the SSA may very well deny the claim for disability benefits. If this is the case there is no reason to become despondent. If denied there is an appeal process that can be undertaken. In many instances, it would be wise to retain a lawyer to handle this appeal process. After all, you would want to win in the appeal because if your appeals are exhausted without arriving at a positive outcome then the ability to receive benefits will be eliminated.

The Common Resources for TBI

2008-06-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

The need for reliable resources on TBI is discussed

When an individual suffers a traumatic brain injury there will be a number of issues that need to be addressed. The individual and his or her family will have a variety of questions regarding the condition and will seek information on the subject. That will necessitate the need for resources for traumatic brain injuries. Thankfully, the internet provides a very successful means of locating some of the best resources on the internet. Some of these resources may be online versions of professional medical journals and some may even be personal blogs that provide a unique insight into the subject. All of which, however, have some value for the interested party looking to expand his or her knowledge of the subject of TBI.

When looking for a TBI resource it is, however, important that the interested party examine a resource that possesses a certain degree of credibility. That is to say, while many amateur online publications may have their heart in the right place, their fact checking and accuracy may very well be off. This certainly will not help anyone who is in need of correct information. In fact, providing inaccurate information on the subject could prove disastrous to the individual in need of the information. In some instances, presenting inaccurate information could even possibly lay the foundation of a civil negligence case. Amateur writers often do not take this into consideration and unedited, improperly reviewed information laden with inaccuracies may find itself into the public discourse. This can then lead to them being sued by traumatic brain injury lawyers who can prove the severity of their willful negligence.

So what is a good source of information on the subject? Of all the resources for Traumatic Brain Injury news, probably the most valuable would be The Center for Neuro Skills' TBI Resource Guide (www.neuroskills.com) The reason this resource remains so very valuable is because it is a non-biased professional resource that chronicles all aspects of the condition. That is, it provides clear definitions on what the injury is, the common causes, the common treatments and regular updates on various news on the subject matter. This can allow an individual with a pressing need to discover as much information as possible on the subject with a valuable centralized resource that will cover all the proverbial bases regarding the condition.

Of course, it would also be best to consult legal resources.on the subject as well. If you are looking for a traumatic brain injury lawyer you will want to find a lawyer who can best represent you in a traumatic brain injury trial. Thankfully, there are a number of traumatic brain injury lawyers who promote themselves in various resources. As such, you would be able to locate the right attorney for your particular situation.

Looking at Recent News about TBI

2008-06-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

Inroads in various aspects of TBI are presented on a number of news sites.

The medical field is an ever evolving profession. This is thanks to all the research work that goes into the study of various conditions, disorders and diseases. As a result, many great strides have been made in arriving and new and successful treatment methods for a variety of maladies. This is true of many conditions and one area of medicine where many great strides have been accomplished is the study of traumatic brain injuries.

At one time, if someone suffered a traumatic brain injury there was little help that could be provided. Often, these people would find themselves institutionalized. Needless to say, the treatment provided in such facilities was generally non-existent. Progress on treating the injuries were next to impossible under such circumstances. In the modern era, many methods of treatment have been discovered and these discoveries occur on a near daily basis. This has shed new light on how these injuries occur. This, of course, opens the door for different successful methods of treatment.

For example, the Rand Corporation has discovered that many returning service members of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have suffered from TBI. Many of these injuries are the reason behind the development of post traumatic stress disorder. From these discoveries, the proper treatment for PTSD can be arrived. Such unique insights into treatment are commonly present in a number of credible medical journals. That is why such journals provide a treasure trove of information.

But medical journals are not the only resources where the subject of traumatic brain injuries is discussed. Issues of traumatic brain injury are also commonplace in legislatures. Whether it is the house, the senate or local legislatures many laws have been passed centering on issues related to traumatic brain injuries. Probably the most high profile of these has been the House's recent passage of the Traumatic Brain Injury Reauthorization Act which extends the 1996 Bill passed by President Clinton which provides federal funding for raising awareness on the subject of TBI. Violations of these laws could to traumatic brain injury litigation and, possibly, a significant traumatic brain injury verdict.

Of course, if you wished to stay on top of all the recent news about traumatic bran injuries the internet provides a tremendous resource. While most would assume that news about TBI is not occurring on a daily basis…such an assessment is not entirely correct! In fact, the regular occurrences of news whether it be the release of a new book, the publication of a new interview or the advancement of new drugs or therapy something new appears everyday. As such, the flow of traumatic brain injury information and recent news is actually far more than most would assume and there is a need to stay on top of such information if one is serious about learning about the subject.

The Common Treatments for TBI

2008-05-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

A brief overview of TBI treatment is presented.

While it is true that traumatic brain injuries are serious this does not mean they are untreatable. Yes, it is accurate that certain traumatic brain injuries may contain residual effects that are to one degree or another is incurable. However, many greats strides have been made in regards to treating traumatic brain injuries. Of course, treatment for traumatic brain injuries is not uniform in the sense that one treatment will be appropriate to all sufferers. As such, there is a need to select the proper treatment based on the patient's personal, individual case. This is not to say there will be no instances of improper diagnoses or medication errors. If such instances do occur, a lawsuit or a traumatic brain injury claim could be initiated. Seeking the right lawfirm is critical in such incidence.

First and foremost, when a traumatic brain injury occurs, it becomes critical to visit a trauma center. Such medical facilities are properly equipped for dealing with the immediate serious problems that may surround a recent brain injury. For example, internal bleeding may occur on the cerebral level and a trauma center would be able to effectively deal with such a problem whereas an urgent care center may not be appropriate. Immediately after treatment in a trauma center there will be a need for follow up treatments based upon an appropriate analysis of the severity of the brain injury.

A rehabilitation center becomes the general next stop on the treatment plan. With a rehabilitation program, physical and psychological rehabilitation will occur. This can include various exercises designed to regain motor skills combined with speech pathology programs and cognitive skills enhancement. The goal of these treatment plans is to return an individual to as close as a level prior to the onset of the injury as possible. However, this may not always be possible. Ultimately, it depends on the severity of the traumatic brain injury symptoms.

If the person has achieved significant progress then continual visits to an outpatient care therapy program will be needed. But, if the injury is extremely serious then the next step in the treatment plan may require living in an assisted living care center. Again, the severity of the injury and its response to initial treatment will often dictate what future treatment will be employed.

Identifying Signs & Symptoms of TBI

2008-05-27T07:44:00.001-07:00

The common traits of TBI are examined and defined

All it took was a brief moment where clarity was lacking and the end result was a major car accident. Why would the driver literally fall asleep at the wheel when he had driven this same route so many times without any problems? Because his driving was impaired as a result of a traumatic brain injury….and injury that he was not even aware he had.

While many instances of traumatic brain injuries are easily detectable, there will be those instances that remain "hidden". If one is involved in a major accident and clearly suffers a head injury in the form of a laceration or obvious concussion, a misdiagnosis will be rare.
However, if the hospital or attending physician does not perform the proper examination then the injury may not be detected. Needless to say, the dangers of such a misdiagnosis could prove disastrous. In such instances of negligence there can be found the basis for a traumatic brain injury case and seeking a qualified traumatic brain injury attorney would be well advised.

In some cases, the injured party may not even seek medical attention. Many times, people will suffer a minor fall or injury that turns out to not be as minor as they initially assumed. In fact, the individual might very well have suffered a serious brain injury but might not even realize it. As such, a need to recognize the most common signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury will be required to seek the proper medical attention that is required. If not, the condition may very well become progressively worse or even lead to a fatal consequence.

Virtually all the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries revolve around cognitive problems such as memory loss, inattentiveness, loss of motor skills and slowed thinking. Other effects can be emotional in nature such as chronic depression, constantly being sleeping, anger and irritability issues, being prone to irrational behavior, etc. Since many of these symptoms can often be associated with other problems – even minor problems such as common stress – it can lead people to ignoring the severity of the condition that they might have. In fact, they might not even realize these are traumatic brain injury side effects.

As such, it is critical to NEVER take such emotional and cognitive problems lightly and to seek the consultation of a professional so as to avoid the condition leading to worse problems down the road. This will not only protect the injured party but others who might be injured as a result of the person's impaired behavior as well.

Outcomes from traumatic brain injury

2008-05-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

TBI is an acquired brain injury that disrupts the normal function of brain with varying degree of recovery. Problems associated with TBI can be divided mainly into two categories:

1. The direct impact resulting in wounds and bruises
2. Problem that occur when the injured brain begins to swell as in any other tissue in the body. As the brain is encased in a non-elastic container, there is no place for the enlarged brain that finally increases pressure in the skull that causes further damage to the brain.

Outcomes affecting consciousness
TBI results in different abnormal states of consciousness, depending upon the area involved, extent & severity of the injury. They are -

1. Stupor: It is a state of unresponsiveness where the patient looks unconscious but a strong stimulus, like an intense pain can elicit a clear response.

2. Coma: Coma is a state of abnormal consciousness where a person is unconscious & unaware, not responding to any external stimuli with no sleep-wake cycle. It is supposed to be the result of diffuse trauma that includes almost all centers of the brain. This state lasts only for few days to weeks usually, and then may either reversed to gain consciousness or enter a vegetative state or death.

3. Vegetative state: It is another form of unconsciousness where the person is not aware of the surroundings. It differs from coma in that, people in this state have sleep-wake cycle, often open their eyes or show some responses. It is usually caused by sudden scarcity of oxygen to the brain & extensive injury to upper brain and mid-brain with sound lower brain. Patients in a vegetative state enter either a normal state or die within few weeks. But when it persists beyond 30 days it is known as Persistent Vegetative State (PVS). Even though, there are chances for recovery from PVS, there will be severe disability after the recovery.

4. Locked-in Syndrome: It is an opposite condition to PVS, in which the lower brain is damaged and upper brain is intact. In this state, there is complete paralysis of the body except blinking of the eyes, although the patient is conscious.

5. Brain death: It is an irreversible condition, with loss of measurable function in the brain due to diffuse damage to most of the areas in the brain. In other words, there is total absence of brain function. Breathing and heart pumping can be aided only by assistive devices.

Delayed complications of TBI
The traumatic brain injury side effects are -

1. Parkinson’s disease: It is a complication of TBI that result due to damage to basal ganglia, an area in brain that controls voluntary movements of body. Unfortunately, it is an incurable disorder that includes stiffness, trembling, difficulty in moving, unsteady walk and stooped posture.

2. Dementia Pugilistica: It is a chronic condition with symptoms of memory loss and Parkinsonism. It commonly affects boxers due to repetitive blow to the head.

3. Post-traumatic dementia: It is a similar condition involving long-term memory loss. It usually results after recovery from coma but is caused by single, extensive traumatic brain injury.

To summarize, the complications of TBI may affect one’s physical abilities, mental abilities, social, behavioral, emotional abilities that inhibits the individual from leading an independent life.

Reference:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/detail_tbi.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/tbi/Outcomes.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/traumatic-brain-injury/DS00552/DSECTION=7
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traumatic_brain_injury

Meningitis and brain injury

2008-05-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges. Meninges are thin membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis is caused by infections. Viral infection is the most common cause of meningitis though it can also be caused by bacterial and fungal infections. If left untreated, meningitis can cause serious brain damage and even death. Bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous form of meningitis.

Meningitis usually occurs in children and older persons because the immune system is weak during the extremes of life. Many vaccines have been developed to prevent common infections. This has led to a decrease in the incidence of meningitis in children who are routinely vaccinated. So, nowadays meningitis is more commonly seen in young adults and older patients.

Signs and symptoms

Though meningitis is caused by virus, bacteria and fungi, the symptoms may not differentiate these three. Most of the symptoms are common to all these three. The symptoms include-
· High grade fever
· Severe head ache
· Vomiting
· Confusion
· Stiff neck
· Sensitivity to light
· Seizures

Viral infections and a few bacterial infections may produce skin rashes. Newborns and young infants may not show symptoms like head ache and neck stiffness. Instead they may have other symptoms like inconsolable crying and poor feeding. Since brain growth and maturation occurs during the early years, meningitis in these infants can cause permanent brain damage.

Causes

Meningitis is commonly caused by viral infections. The other causes are bacterial and fungal infections. The following are the various organisms that commonly cause meningitis.
· Viral infections
o Enterovirus
o Mumps virus
o Herpes virus
o West Nile Virus

· Bacterial infections
o Streptococcus pneumoniae
o Neisseria menigitidis
o Hemophilus influenza
o Listeria monocytogenes
·
Fungal infections
o Cryptococcus

Risk factors

The risk factors for suffering from meningitis include the following -
· Not completing the childhood vaccine schedule
· Age: Children less than 5 years, adults between 20-25 years and older adults are more prone for meningitis
· Working with animals
· Living in a community setting

Diagnosis
For diagnosing meningitis and the organism that is causing it, the following tests are to be done –
· Spinal tap – A colorless fluid called cerebrospinal fluid flows across the brain and the spinal cord. In meningitis, the fluid gets changed in its physical and its biochemical nature. A small quantity of this fluid is removed for analysis. This is done by spinal tap. Spinal tap is done by passing a special needle between two vertebrae in the lower part of the spine.
· CT scan of the brain may show changes in the brain including the complications
· Throat culture – This may show the causative organism in many patients as the source of infection is usually the upper respiratory tract
· Polymerase chain reaction – This test is sometimes done to identify the causative organism

Brain damage caused by meningitis
Meningitis can cause serious damage to brain. The damage is very severe especially with bacterial meningitis. If the patient is not treated or if there is a significant delay between the onset of symptoms and the initiation of treatment, significant complications occur. The various complications resulting due to meningitis are-
· Seizures
· Permanent neurological damage
o Deafness
o Blindness
o Loss of speech
o Learning difficulties
o Behavioral problems
o Paralysis

Treatment
Treatment should be initiated promptly once the diagnosis of meningitis is made. The treatment includes –
· Viral meningitis is self limiting. Only supportive care is given. Supportive care is given in the form of treating seizures, controlling fever and intravenous fluids
· Bacterial meningitis needs administration of appropriate intravenous antibiotics. Treatment should be started with broad spectrum antibiotics. Once the culture sensitivity reports are available, appropriate antibiotics should be given.

Reference
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/meningitis.html
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/meningitis-topic-overview
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/meningitis/DS00118

What are the Causes of TBI?

2008-04-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

What are the four common causes of TBI?

While some would assume that traumatic brain injuries are rare, the fact remains that hundreds of thousands of individuals suffer such injuries every year. Of course, there are varying degrees of severity of these injuries. Such degrees will be based upon the method in which the injury is suffered. Regarding these methods, there are four common causes of traumatic brain injuries.

Probably the most common causes of all traumatic brain injuries are suffering a fall. This is most prevalent in the home with the very young and the very old. Slipping, falling down stairs, tripping over items around the house are common mishaps that befall the elderly and children. In other age ranges, falls are most commonly associated with workplace related accidents. Usually, this is the result of negligence on the part of an employer. While many of these mishaps leave little or no lasting effects there will be instances where such falls cause severe brain injuries.

The second most common instance is rather morbid to examine as it deals with very young children. For toddlers, it is not uncommon that shaking is a major reason for a traumatic brain injury. This sad fact has been brought to the forefront of the public consciousness as a result of many high profile cases of babysitters abusing little ones in their charge. In these cases, the babysitter will find herself needing a lawyer since she will be facing potential criminal charges particular if the end result is severe brain trauma.

In terms of adults and teenagers, car and motorcycle accidents are often the main cause of traumatic brain injuries. Motorcycle accidents often yield such injuries when the cyclist or the passenger is not wearing a helmet or wearing a defective helmet. In "traditional" car accidents, the instance of hitting one's head on the car's dashboard upon impact often creates the injury. If one is not wearing a seatbelt, the potential for injury can be even more pronounced and that is why it is critical to wear one. However, if the seatbelt is defective there is little that can be done. Of course, such negligence could provide the basis for a traumatic brain injury law suit.

The fourth major cause is another aspect of life we would wish to not see: violent crime. Brutal assaults and muggings can yield blunt trauma and this can result in traumatic brain injuries based upon the severity of the beating.

It is obvious in these examples a common thread is negligence. If negligence is apparent, then seeking the advice of a traumatic brain injury lawyer may be a wise move. Such an attorney could decide whether or not the basis for a traumatic brain injury lawsuit is possible. While there are steps one can take in all of these instances to reduce the potential for injury, there really is no way to prevent all instances. This is probably the most ominous aspect of traumatic brain injuries: they can occur at any time and without warning.

Understanding Outcomes from TBI

2008-04-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

A clear look at the derivations of TBI.

The severity of traumatic brain injuries can never be understated. While most people do realize that a brain injury is a very serious condition many do not realize just how serious it is. It is critical to understand that the common outcomes of such injuries include permanent negative impact on communication and cognitive abilities. In many instances, such injuries often yield permanent disabilities.

But is the only outcome of traumatic brain injuries permanent disability? Honestly, the end result will depend upon the severity of the injury. While there are traumatic brain injuries that can lead to an incurable condition, it is also possible that a positive outcome that can be achieved if the extent of the injuries is not as bad as initially assumed.

Granted, serious brain injuries are not prone to heal by themselves. However, under the proper treatment many of the negative effects of a traumatic brain injury can be reversed. Usually, with the right medical care and physical/rehab therapy many great strides can be made in returning much of the previously inhibited cognitive function. No, this is not an easy outcome to achieve but it can be achieved under the right circumstances.

In order to arrive at beneficial outcomes, it is critical to seek the help of a highly qualified specialist in neurological injuries. Those with significant experience in neurological behavioral rehabilitation can often duplicate prior success in patients who have the potential to overcome the limitations the injuries have yielded.

Much of the information regarding the success of outcomes of TBI derive from examining the patients prior to treatment and then after treatment. This is done by examining how the brain functioned prior to the injury, examining the extent of the injury and then charting the progress of the patient after significant rehabilitation therapy has been employed. Hopefully, the head injury will not lead to seizures or a stroke as is often common with severe head injuries.

In many cases, those who have dealt with severe injuries can be placed in a lower level of care. In some instances, it is not out of the question to return to previous lifestyle and employment activities with limited residual effect. However, this will be reliant on the extent of the injury and receiving proper care at a rehabilitation center.

Traumatic brain injury

2008-04-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a sudden physical damage to the brain. This is a complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities. The impact on a person and his or her family can be devastating.

The causes of TBI are diverse and include falls, blunt object trauma, motor vehicle accidents, chemical or toxic damage, lack of oxygen, tumors, infections, and stroke. For most forms of TBI, while some treatments exist for improve the condition, there is generally no cure for TBI.
The effects of TBI can be deep and far-reaching with variable physical, behavioral, or mental changes that may result from head trauma depend on the areas of the brain that are injured. Even mild cases can result in decreased brain function that can have a profound family, job, social and community implications. Individuals with severe injuries can be left in unresponsive states with the need for long-term rehabilitation to maximize function and independence.
If a brain injury is caused by the negligence, wrongful actions of another party, vehicle accident or occurs on a jobsite, contact an attorney to assist with the navigation of seeking justice and the potential to protect financial security.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Can Manifest in Many Ways

2008-04-17T08:45:00.001-07:00

Helga Meyer, foundation/public education director of Spanish Peaks Mental Health Center in Pueblo, Colo., says that traumatic brain injuries can manifest themselves in many different ways, from seizures to mood swings to fatigue.

An estimated 1.5 million Americans suffer a brain injury each year, and this number far exceeds the number of people who have multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, HIV/AIDS and breast cancer combined. Meyer says there are approximately 5.3 million people who are living with some type of disability that has been caused by a brain injury.

Birth Trauma

2008-04-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

It is estimated that some form of birth trauma or injury occurs in 2% to 7% of all deliveries in the United States. It may be challenging and heart wrenching for parents to attempt to piece together the events that occurred during the childbirth experience that may have lead to a child’s injury. Medical professionals may not be forthcoming with assistance to unraveling the medicine behind birth events. There may also be a lack of awareness of the law and cause of birth injuries.

Birth trauma can be classified as mechanical, due to the use of force to hasten delivery, or anoxic, the depravation of oxygen.

Birth injuries or emerging developmental abnormalities need to be evaluated by an independent medical professional. The treatment of birth injuries can be a heavy financial burden that may include surgeries, therapy and long term care.

Recovery from a brain injury.

2008-04-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

Long after the visible scars of a car crash or workplace accident involving a head injury have disappeared, many victims suffer from emotional and cognitive problems.

A British TV host, who suffered an injury when his dragster flipped, reports that his recovery has been anything but straightforward.

Like many people who survive traumatic brain injuries, he has been plagued with memory problems, trouble concentrating and emotional changes.

"There was a lot more to fix than I thought," Richard Hammond told a reporter.

“Depression and memory loss can be a major problem," says Steve Shears, brain injury counselor at Headway, the Brain Injury Association. In the early stages after a brain injury, the area of the brain that governs both short-term memory and self-reflection - the frontal lobe - is often compromised. This causes the injured person to behave oddly without realizing it. They might, for instance, inappropriately blurt out what is on their mind, with no knowledge that they have said anything untoward.

People with TBIs go through several stages of recovery.

Initially, people may think of themselves as they were before the accident. They may think they’re OK and able to return to work and normal activities, though their doctors and everyone around them see otherwise. Self-awareness comes next, which TBI patients realize that they’re not back to normal, and this is where depression can set in as people come to grips with their new, impaired reality.

Paralysis, Negligence and Financial Stability

2008-04-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

When one suffers paralysis as a result of the negligence of others it is critical to seek legal representation to shore up one's financial security. There are a number of incredibly serious issues associated with paralysis and they center on the significant costs associated with long term care. This means someone has to pay for it and it should be the person or entity that is at fault. This does not mean that the person who suffers paralysis will be unable to support his or herself or become indigent. But, there is no reason for the injured party to have to pay for all associated costs with the injury particularly when it is another party that is at fault.

Traumatic Brain Injuries May Go Undetected

2008-04-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

As this story from a Colorado news station reveals, sometimes traumatic brain injuries can go undiagnosed.

A mother and daughter, who were involved in a car crash that “didn't seem that bad” both suffered from so-called “invisible injuries” as a result of the accident.

The mother tried to return to work but found she couldn’t quite keep up. Her daughter found herself stressed out with school. With treatment, the two women are slowly returning to the way they once were.

But their story highlights the difficulties that people who suffer from brain injuries and closed head injuries can have.

Experience and Traumatic Brain Injury Suits

2008-04-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Lawsuits centering on traumatic brain injuries can be somewhat complicated. This is why it is critical to select the right attorney to handle your case in the event you file a lawsuit after suffering such an injury. That means you should seek a qualified attorney who has experience in the field. But, more than just selecting an attorney based on any literature you are presented with you should also ask the attorney to describe their background in clear detail. This way you can be sure that you have selected the right attorney for your particular case. This is critical because if you do not feel comfortable with the attorney you have selected success may prove elusive.

Detecting Traumatic Brain Injuries

2008-04-01T03:58:00.000-07:00

Many times traumatic brain injuries are difficult to detect. Now, some people may find that difficult to believe because if someone were to suffer an obvious injury such as falling off a bicycle and hitting their head it would be blatantly obvious a brain injury has occurred. Well, yes, in such a situation is would be obvious but not all brain injuries are so obvious. Sometimes even minor brain injuries can occur unnoticed despite the fact they are severe. If you notice that you are inexplicably suffering chronic headaches, nausea or excessive vomiting these severe symptoms would necessitate a trip to the emergency room for a CAT scan.

Legal Representation and Traumatic Brain Injuries

2008-03-31T12:41:00.002-07:00

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious injuries an individual may find oneself having to deal with. Some of the complications of a traumatic brain injury can include psychosis, impaired vision and memory problems. As such, in addition to seeking the very best medical care available there is a need to seek the best legal advice available and that comes in the form of a quality lawyer to litigate any civil recourse one seeks to address the problem. The situation one can find oneself in after such an injury is a serious situation and the need for proper legal representation is critical.

Legal Representation and Traumatic Brain Injuries

2008-03-31T12:41:00.001-07:00

Duragesic Patch Can Cause Brain Injury, Even Death

2008-03-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

The Duragesic Patch can cause a condition similar to holding your breath. This is called hypoventilation. When this happens, carbon dioxide increased in the body while no new oxygen enters the blood stream.

On overdose of fentanyl causes the same reaction as holding your breath. Eventually, you'll become dizzy, pass out, and stop breathing completely. If respiratory failure is not treated within a few minutes, the result is death.

It does not take much. A small overdose of fentanyl can cause adverse reactions. If the patient becomes sleepy, unresponsive, cold, vision loss, and unable to think clearly while using a patch, it could be an ovedose! Over time, even a slight overdose can result in a coma.

Coming Soon!

2008-03-06T10:24:00.001-08:00